We had a delightful surprise this morning when we learned the Duchess and all three Cambridge children went to a charity polo match! 
Kate and Prince Louis as they arrived. 
Also at today’s match, the Duchess of Sussex and newly-christened baby Archie. 
Prince William and Prince Harry were playing on opposing teams for the Khun Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha Memorial Polo Trophy at Billingbear Polo Club.
More from The Daily Mail:
William and Harry are competing in opposing teams at the King Power Royal Charity Polo Day, which is being held in honour of late Leicester City owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, who died in a helicopter crash in October 2018.
You may recall the Duke and Duchess’s visit to Leicester last November honoring those killed in the helicopter crash at King Power Stadium. 
Below you see the Duke and Duchess with Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha’s son Aiyawat last November.
And from the Shropshire Star:
The charity match will help raise funds and awareness for more than 15 charities supported by the dukes including African conservation organisations, rugby charities and the Invictus Games Foundation.
Prince George and Princess Charlotte played a little soccer.
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Little Louis decided he needed some snappy shades.
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And the family enjoyed a picnic.
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Kate and Louis from the back.
Now for what Kate wore.
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It looked like she was in the Madison silk chiffon dress (originally $525) by LK Bennett.
The Duchess was seen wearing the lilac version of the dress (r) when leaving a private party in August 2015. It was described by the retailer as having a “loose, tiered silhouette for effortless style.” The piece originally sold for $525, and was discounted to $367 at some point.
Many have noted the similarities of this dress to the LK Bennett ‘Addison’ frock worn by the Duchess when the Obamas visited the family in April 2016. 
It has an almost identical bodice and waistline. 
Kate was carrying a new Mulberry bag. It looks like the Darley style in the ‘ruby red croc’ finish. 
The bag is a clutch style with a detachable strap, measuring roughly 6″ x 9.5″. Our thanks to Food, Fash & Fit along with Packham Gown and Perth Fashion for the handbag ID.
We saw the return of Kate’s Castañer Carina wedge espadrilles.
It’s certainly not the first time the Duchess has worn a wedge espadrille. 
It brings back memories going back to the London Olympic Games in 2012. 
And the Catherine Zoraida ‘Fern Hoop’ earrings, shown below when worn at Wimbledon last week.
For all the info on What Meghan Wore see our post here (updated with info on Archie’s baby blanket); for details on What Kate’s Kids Wore, visit our sister site here.
It looked like Louis had a terrific time at his first polo match!
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ADDENDUM JULY 11: Thank you to Natasha for her reminder that Kate could attend the Wimbledon Women’s Final on Saturday, the 13th. American Serena Williams will go for her eighth women’s singles title, taking on Simona Halep, the first Romanian woman to reach a women’s singles final match.
VIDEO:
The majority of this Hello! video focuses on the polo match, but there are some cute moments with the children.
LINKAGE:
- The list of charities receiving proceeds from today’s tournament includes: Kensington Palace said the charity match will help raise funds and awareness for charities supported by the dukes including African Parks, The English Schools Swimming Association, Fields in Trust, Henry van Straubenzee Memorial Fund, The Household Cavalry Operational Casualties Fund, The Invictus Games Foundation, Irish Guards Appeal, Map Action, Mountain Rescue England and Wales, The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust, Rhino Conservation Botswana, The Royal Marsden, RFU Injured Players Foundation, The Passage and the Welsh Rugby Charitable Trust.
- The Daily Mail coverage is here; People’s story is here;
- Town and Country’s gallery is here; a Hello! gallery is here
This dress is gorgeous– floaty and airy. It looks like the quintessential summer dress, and the blend of soft pinks and reds really works. Kate looks wonderful and the kids are adorable!
Honestly, I would love to wear this gorgeous dress to play with kids. It seems like the ideal dress to wear on a hot summer day- light, silky, swishy and the midi length is great for playing with kids. I frequently wear midi dresses as a teacher, especially in the heat, because they are so comfortable and easy to wear. They are the perfect length- more modest and flattering than shorts, but still short enough to keep me cool while running around outside. The most important thing (and this is TMI) is to wear very safe, substantial underwear like Spandex bike shorts to prevent mishaps 🙂
I would have chosen flat sandals but c’mon, she looks fantastic and seasonally appropriate. That Louis looks like a handful!
My first time posting here, though I’ve been reading the posts regularly for years. Thank you for a wonderful site!
I love these dress and as the mom of a seven and a half-year-old I wanted to say that this type of dress or a silk slip dress and t-shirt is exactly what I wear to run around after my daughter on play dates. Then I love that I can dress it up with a blazer for work or strappy heels for evening. We were at a concert/picnic event tonight, sitting on the grass, and I was in a silk maxi dress, a light cardigan, and cotton mules.
Thank you for being part of WKW for so long, Tracy, and for commenting! 🙂
What a lovely day. What a lovely family. What a lovely summer dress.
I am so glad that katefanatic mentioned seeing a “K” on the purse, I thought I was losing it there for a minute! haha
Louis steals the show at yet another event! What a charmer. Considering the havoc he played with his mum’s maternity wardrobe I am just glad he has turned out to be so gosh darn adorable. 😉
This is a great choice for Kate. It has been so hot and humid even while cloudy in London the past couple of weeks, and the loose sleeves and skirt on this dress must have just been a dream in that kind of weather. I’m not usually a fan of pink and red together but in this instance I think the particular shades go quite well together, perhaps because the white in the pattern on the dress breaks things up a bit.
The Duchess looks lovely, a beautiful silk dress.
A real joy to see all the kids with DOC. Lovely outfit and the purse is adorable! She is wearing red, pink and the dress is a knockout too!
Lovely in pink. This is a light and floaty dress that suits her well.
I especially appreciate the photos of Kate’s selection of wedges. I’ll admit that I like her other choices much better.
The first time I saw this dress, I thought it was the LK Bennet Addison dress she wore when the Obamas visited (when Prince George met them before going to bed), but just in another colourway. The print and cut looked similar.
I like the dress and espadrilles combo and the bag/shades is just darling.I don’t think that shade of pink goes with that shade of red,a paler pink and a darker red would of looked better anyway kate looks like an adoring and fun mother and she always gives me major #Hairenvy!
Love this dress, good cut, good color on her. I find espadrilles comfortable so I can see why she wears them often. All around looked like a fun day.
Agree with the espadrilles. I wore them on a 2 mile hike and at the end I asked my nephew what he thought was the most unique part of the hike and he said, “You in those shoes!!!” Running in them was easy.
Are pink and red becoming the new Breton stripes? LOL! I can’t say I like the combo that much, but that’s just personal taste. I thought this was a very pretty dress when we saw the lilac one a few years ago, and I am happy to see the pink version on the Duchess, too–she does look lovely in pink. But my personal preference is for the lilac version.
I have no issue with espadrilles for informal outings on the grass or sand. In fact, that look from Australia–the Zimmerman dress and the straw-and-cork espadrilles–is one of my all-time favorite looks on her.
I was just thinking the same thing about the Australia outfit. It is one of my favorites, too!
Kate is so beautiful! That shade of pink is stunning on her. I do miss her darker hair but that’s just me. Her children are gorgeous!
Love this dress, I have been to a few polo games and the dress is very standard of what is worn however in saying that some ladies really dress over the top but Kate is stylish and appropriately dressed. Would have loved to have seen the dress with a gorgeous pair of red sandals to match the cross shoulder bag. Such a wonderful event celebrating all the wondetful charities.
I love this dress on The Duchess! I also love the earrings – they have a shape that says summer. The bag is pretty and practical at the same time. I’m not a fan of espadrilles, but clearly The Duchess is, and it’s important to wear comfortable shoes. I liked the wedge shoes that she used to wear, but ankle straps are more practical now that she has to keep up with her children.
Thank you for the post. This dress form the images from the manufacture reminded me of the dress she wore with the Obamas at their home in Kenisington. Is it similiar or am I way off? Love the dress on her, not a fan of the heavy espridilles but she looked comfortable and busy with her adorable toddler. So fun to see all 3 children together. I did wonder why she carried her purse. Surprized she just didn’t leave it in the car. Looked uncomfortable to wear like that.
Summer fun!
Carol, I had the same thought! Kate wore a long sleeved blue version of a dress like this for the Obama visit. So pretty! I like all the colors as variations on a lovely theme of floaty dresses.
Catherine is just knocking it out of the park sartorially recently. Great look after great look! Looks so light and airy for the warm weather and running around as silk is a great material that allows your skin to breathe and but also suitably dressy for the polo. The Mulberry bag is the perfect addition. Don’t love the wedges but they are so Catherine and they work with the outfit. The Cambridge children are a joy to watch. Louis and his energy darting around all over the place are probably how Catherine is keeping in shape. There is no need for the gym or a personal trainer when you have a super enthusiastic and lively toddler!
Catherine really seems like a great mum. I noticed his polo venue isn’t as kid-friendly as some of the others they have visited so she made sure to pack a picnic and some toys for them to play with.
Would you have a link to the photos from the 2015 party when she wore the lilac dress? I can’t find anything and I’d love to see it!
Thanks for all the hard work on the blog! Love seeing your expanding audience!
Hi Melissa, there is just one photo I am aware of; because it was a private event I haven’t included it. You can see it on Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/p/63QJvXrd4w/
Didn’t she also wear it when the Obama’s came to visit? The main thing I remember from that visit was George in his housecoat…SO adorable! But, I thought she wore the lilac dress then too. Maybe I am misremembering.
Kate is on a pink and red roll! She looks smashing in yet another floaty silk floral summery dress. The length is terrific on her. I know she has lots of help and leads a very privileged life, but it’s obvious she enjoys being a hands on mum and makes chasing after her happy brood look effortless. I cannot believe how tall George is, and Charlotte has certainly sprouted up as well. Louis is just the cutest, what a little imp! While I think red flats would have looked super with this dress, I’m not bothered by the repeat (over and over) of these wedges, but I do think I’ve seen enough of these earrings. And I don’t usually go gaga over purses, but something about this one struck me as rather delicious.
I actually really like this dress! As others have said, a red sandal would be just the thing, but the wedges are perfectly appropriate here. Such fun to see the kids again so soon! I think George seems taller than he was at Kate’s garden preview. Charlotte is a joy to watch – reminds me of being a little girl myself. And Louis in those shades – what a ham!
What a treat to get pictures of the entire family at a charity polo match. The children are adorable. Is it wrong to laugh a little seeing the Duchess running after her toddler just like any Mom at an outdoor sporting event? Of course just any Mom isn’t wearing a silk dress and sky high lace up espadrilles while running. I like the dress a lot. It appears cool and comfortable and is very flattering to Kate. She seems like such a great Mom. Not sure I could have looked so happy and calm while wrangling three little ones.
I always love seeing candid photos of the children just enjoying themselves. I think her dress looks so comfortable! I always felt like she wears repeat earrings/shoes or puts George in a shirt we’ve seen previously to avoid causing a mass purchase of the item? Or perhaps others speculate correctly that she just isn’t into jewelry or shoes.
Hi Kim! My personal belief is precisely what you suggest, that repeat items help mitigate the frenzy, even if only a little. 🙂
Another red and pink combo! I love it. So summery and stylish. I like seeing her wearing a crossbody like that instead of the usual clutches and little handbags too. The Cambridge kiddos are just darling, especially Louis! Polo days always give us great content.
This is a very pretty dress. And this shade of pink is absolutely gorgeous and very flattering on Kate. And the earrings are nice, too. I also like the purse, but I don’t think that pink and red go well together. I must be the only one, but I don’t see anything wrong with her shoes. I like them.
Although this dress is lovely—one of my favorites, in fact—it’s not something that the average mom would wear on an outing with her three young children. Can you imagine risking getting grass stains on a fine silk dress? This is something that I’d wear to a wedding or out to a nice restaurant—not outside to play with the kids. But yes, before anyone says anything, I know that Kate is a duchess. Her hair looks good, but maybe the color is getting a little too light now. A ponytail would also have been nice.
I have this dress and wore it to my niece’s wedding two years ago!
It was so nice getting to see everyond at the match.That’s a pretty dress and bag.
I love this from head to toe. The color and flow of the dress are so flattering and practical. I love the espadrilles with this dress! The earrings go much better with her hair down and casual. I love the normalcy of this outing. Kids playing soccer, Louis sprinting off, playing on the tailgate of the car: a window into their off-duty family life. The kids are too much—I love George’s camo shorts and Charlottes ponytail.
Would have loved to see the two families together.
Thanks for the surprise post!
The whole red and pink combination is really growing on me…wasn’t sure about the combo at Archie’s baptism, but now I like it here!
She looks so casual and comfortable in this outfit. I like both the pink and the lilac versions.
I can understand the repeat of earrings. I am not an earring girl myself, so I would likely just grab what I could and be done with it. LOL.
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I think the pink/red combo works better here because the subtle pattern on the dress leans toward red and the pink is a truer tint of red. The salmon SM dress for the christening was a tint of a more orange color, so the yellow in it really competed with the true red of the hat and shoes.
The combo works in concept, but one has to be careful of the color tones. Not all pinks and reds will harmonize with each other. Here, Kate gets it absolutely right.
I always wear the same earrings over and over. What ever is closest and silver or gold based on what I’m wearing.
Thanks for all the background on the purpose of this event. I had remembered bits and pieces from last year so it was a good refresher. How wonderful for all of the charities involved as well to benefit from this event.
I like Kate’s outfit and don’t really have any issues with any part of it. Love the bag and also loved that she had a crossbody! I’m guessing it was for her sunglasses and phone since the car was parked nearby. I do think it may be a bit dressy for polo but if you look at the family of Khun, they were all a bit dressed up so I think Kate was dressed appropriately given her role. I also think this dress can easily go from casual to a more business-like setting with different shoes and a blazer so I’d love to see a repeat of this.
After looking at the photos from today and then thinking back to Trooping the Colour, it’s pretty clear that the kids are very comfortable in the presence of their parents. Meaning they’re not simply spending all their time with a nanny as was the case in past generations. It’s a trend we’ve seen with some of the other kids and grandkids of the Queen as well so it’s wonderful to see that.
Here’s hoping for some Wimbledon sightings over the next few days. Maybe Kate will bring George to the Federer-Nadal semifinal.
Nice combo. Comfy, but super flattering dress, shoes good, bag cute, good earrings, adorable kids. Just a your average, suburban polo mom out with the kids watching daddy and Uncle Harry. Ha! But great photos and coverage of what was clearly a fun, family outing.
I love it! So great to see them all looking so relaxed and comfortable together. George is so tall! I love Kate’s dress and the crossbody bag is cute and practical when you’re chasing after kids!
It must be wonderful for both families to spend a somewhat normal days with kiddos, in the park. Other than the fact that floods of photos were taken, this would not be that much different from anyone of us taking our children, nieces and nephews, or neighbourhood kids on an outing. Mind you, most of us wouldn’t be going to a polo match.
Kate looks lovely and the dress is pretty and summery. It is quite a bit fancier than anything most of us would wear for an outing with children, but she is after all, a Duchess. The red bag is beautiful and you can see why Kate chose a cross body bag. She needed her hands to be free when attending to George, Charlotte and Louis. How great to see such a hands on mother, as nanny Maria, didn’t seem to be on the scene.
I fear these espadrilles. are her summer version of the Rossi praline pumps, that she wears endlessly. Oh how beautiful a red sandal would have looked with this dress.
I have the exact same crossbody bag in Coach and thought Kate was carrying the same one! Was certainly a pleasant surprise to see these pictures especially since this is the first time we have seen George, Charlotte, Louis and Archie together, delightful! The dress reminds me of the blue/purple LK Bennet DoC wore while hosting the Obamas for tea. I too believe in the theory that others have regarding Kate’s earrings – she has a pair out and wears them for the next half a dozen outings. I am not sure if this particular pair merits such repetition! Love the dress and bag, the pink and red combo strikes again!
I love these pictures! Looks like it was a wonderful day! I need to go find myself a dress like that. And a purse like that. Probably not the shoes though 🙂
The kids are darling.
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These were such wonderful photos to see today, with both families looking so relaxed and comfortable in each other’s company. And great to see Kate in the kind of outfit she chooses for her own downtime, where comfort can score over formality while she preserves her femininity.
That LKB dress style has served her well and I congratulate her on buying it in different colours. The long, flared shape looks great on her tall slender frame and she seems happy in wedges so kudos to her for sticking to them. I remain non-plussed by those who say they’re more comfortable to wear on grass. They remain a hazard to health in my view given how the least irregularity in the surface underfoot can lead to nasty twisted ankles at the very least.
And it has been simply terrific to catch up with all the youngsters from both families. I had to do a double take when I first saw Kate holding what I thought was a very small George and it took me a few moments to realise I wasn’t looking at old photos of her firstborn, but that this was Louis galloping away into his mature self already. I can’t believe how long Charlotte’s legs are or how grown up George looks. This was an all round huge royal treat today and I’ve loved every minute, and following it all on WKW and WKKW on Facebook. Thanks for a great post.
Absolutely agree on wedges being a health hazard, so easy to twist your ankle in these! IMO (since speculating on whatkatethought is as much fun as commenting on whatkarewore!) it is either a matter of personal choice, maybe she genuinely likes them or a matter of there being no alternatives. Kate doesn’t seem to prefer wearing open toed shoes, maybe due to protocol or personal preference again. The rare times I recall her wearing flats, it has been usually with skinny jeans. Unlike Pippa who is a big fan or dress + flats. Maybe they give that boho chic look! The other alternatives being too formal. Don’t think she can get away with sneakers with a frock! 🙂
She didn’t divert too much from her look in downtime in this instance, very similar to what she has been wearing to engagement recently. Unlike that time when Kate was on a polo match with George & Charlotte and she wore this Zara cotton button down shirt dress paired with her then favorite wedges.
https://whatkatewore.com/2018/06/10/another-zara-dress-for-kate-as-george-charlotte-play-at-polo-match/
Kate’s balance while wearing wedges is legendary, I still can’t believe how she was hopping and jumping in them while playing cricket in India. It’s also interesting to me that her choice here is not so far removed from some of her more formal attire, I like to think she can stick with what she finds comfortable on more high profile occasions as well.
In my 20s and 30s I used tall wedges on out of town trips across multiple airports, up and down taxis and hotels across Southeast Asia (not for the faint-hearted in terms of infrastructure and safety). I loved the height and stability, and I could trot a little as I was perpetually late. I never twisted my ankle and fall. I did my twisting down the stairs at home and in sneakers playing sports. I think when you wear something with height, you are extra careful, and you get used to it. Plus Kate seems to have really strong core.
When you’re creeping into your 50s, however, it’s another matter, ha!
I think the pink version of this dress is much better than the lilac but it still isn’t something I would wear, especially while chasing after a toddler and two other young children outdoors. The wedges are fine and I am not even going to comment on the earrings. I think I can see a letter K embossed upon the flap of the purse?
Wow those kiddos are so cute! When the first pictures came out of Kate holding Louis, I actually thought it was an old pic of Kate with George. I had never thought so before, but today I thought Louis really favors George at that age. It was great to see all three Cambridge children running around and having fun; the picnic on the tailgate of the car looks like something any other mother would do with her kids. Very fun to see. Clearly Kate and William are trying to raise happy healthy and “normal” children in the glare of an international spotlight.
The ‘K’ on the bag is a watermark that I added. 🙂
It’s interesting that with her vast resources, the Duchess wears the same earrings over and over. I guess she just isn’t that into jewelry. Fair enough – I like creative jewelry a lot, but I kind of respect her for not spending lots of money on something she doesn’t care about. She does seem to love her handbags, though.
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Concerning the earrings. I am fortunate to have many beautiful and expensive pairs of earrings that my husband and my parents have given me over the years. I tend to wear one pair most of the time – to be honest, I do not really think about what I have on unless I am going somewhere special and then I will crack open the jewelry box to put on something special – this became a habit once I had children (wearing one pair most of the time as it was one less thing to have to think about – the same with the necklace I wear probably 355 out of 365 days a year). The duchess probably has her go-to favorites that she likes and which work well for her, whether it be her espadrilles or the earrings!
I think this is a pretty dress, and I too prefer the pink over the lilac, but I think her look is noticeably more formal than the rest of the family, even with the relaxed hair. Maybe flat sandals would have dressed it down a notch? I can’t wait for the post on What Meghan Wore because I love that olive green on her, and am hugely fond of flowy linen dresses when wanting to look chic while staying comfortable when caring for an infant. How fun that so much of the family got to enjoy the day together! Each time the kids are out I think it confirms the hypothesis that Charlotte just prefers to be in dresses, as she wears them even when George is in quite casual pieces.
I have one daughter who insisted on wearing only dresses until she was around 7 years old. My other one wore only jeans and sweat pants. Kids do have their preferences and as parents need to pick their battles everyday clothing seems a silly hill to die on! 😂
I wore dresses almost constantly growing up, and then I went to private school and wore a jumper, so yes, I LOVED dresses and even now I love to be in skirts and dresses whenever possible. 🙂
Have we ever seen her wearing a bag crossbody style before?
I’ll bet she can stuff or detach the strap of the bag to make it a clutch.
I don’t think so.
Mary, both this blog and the Mulberry site say that the chain strap on the purse is detachable. So perhaps we might see it again when Kate is in clutch mode.
What a fun day out for the kids! I like this dress a lot, and Kate seems to be fixated on the earrings/shoes combo. I’m liking the longer hair, and I REALLY love her sunglasses. There’s a picture with Louis wearing than that’s just darling!
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Isn’t George starting to look like Edward VIII? But what a gorgeous brood Kate and Will have, happy, confident and doing such normal things. Louis is just a darling!
From the time George was under a year in age, I’ve thought he resembles Kate’s Dad, Michael Middleton. But looking like Edward VIII wouldn’t be a bad thing. Both men are/were handsome.
I also thought the espadrilles were disappointing and I love espadrilles. Who wears them w a silk dress? She is definitely not a shoe girl. I like how she carried a red purse w a pink dress- it seemed bright and happy also young and fresh!
I like this a lot. I far prefer the pink version to the lilac, and that bag is gorgeous. I am ready to burn those espadrilles though.
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Haha! I could not have stated this better. The dress is wonderful, toss the espadrilles. I’m getting tired of Kate in clunky shoes. I still like the earrings, though!
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Meghan is a new mom, trying to get her body back. I hope we can cut her some slack about the bigger clothes.
Thank you for commenting.